Highlighting similarities and differences among cells
What defines a prokaryotic and a eukaryotic cell?
What kind of structures do both of these cell types share?
What kind of structures are unique to one cell type, but not the other?
Specifically looking at animal cells and plant cells, what cellular structures are shared between these cell types?
Which are unique to one type (either animal or plant cells) and not the other?
Sample Solution
Highlighting similarities and differences among cells
There are two basic types of cells, prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells comprise bacteria and archaea. Their DNA is not contained within a nucleus. Eukaryotic cells are found in plants, animals, fungi, and protists. Their DNA is contained within a membrane-bound nucleus. Although they have many differences, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have structures in common. All cells have a plasma membrane, ribosomes, cytoplasm, and DNA. The plasma membrane, or cell membrane, is the phospholipid layer that surrounds the cell and protects it from the outside environment. Ribosomes are the non-membrane bound organelles where proteins are made, a process called protein synthesis.
